The Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) proudly announced the recognition of 2,010 dedicated snowsports professionals in 2026, honoring their significant milestones in membership. These individuals, spanning a spectrum from 10 to an extraordinary 60 years of service, received honorary anniversary pins, symbolizing their unwavering commitment to elevating the standards of instruction and fostering a passion for snowsports across the nation. This annual tradition underscores the enduring spirit of the PSIA-AASI community and its profound impact on the industry.
A Legacy of Professionalism and Passion
PSIA-AASI, established in 1961, stands as the world’s largest snowsports instruction organization, dedicated to promoting the sports of skiing and snowboarding through professional education and certification. Its mission revolves around developing and disseminating educational materials, offering comprehensive certification programs, and providing professional development opportunities that empower instructors to teach effectively and safely. The organization plays a pivotal role in shaping the careers of thousands of snowsports professionals, ensuring high standards of instruction, and ultimately enhancing the safety and enjoyment of snowsports for participants of all ages and skill levels.
The awarding of anniversary pins is more than a mere formality; it is a profound acknowledgment of the sustained dedication required to thrive in a dynamic, seasonal industry. Members reaching these milestones have not only honed their own skills but have also served as mentors, innovators, and ambassadors for snowsports, influencing countless students and fellow instructors. Their long-term commitment reflects a deep-seated passion for the mountains, a drive to continuously improve, and a willingness to contribute to a vibrant professional community. This 2026 celebration highlights the ongoing professionalization of snowsports instruction, a journey many of these recipients have spearheaded for decades.
Regional Contributions to National Excellence
The 2,010 anniversary pin recipients represent a diverse geographical spread across PSIA-AASI’s eight regions, each contributing uniquely to the national landscape of snowsports instruction. The distribution of these honored members offers insight into the regional strengths and historical engagement within the organization.
- Eastern: 640 recipients
- Rocky Mountain: 497 recipients
- Central: 202 recipients
- Northwest: 201 recipients
- Western: 191 recipients
- Intermountain: 190 recipients
- Northern Rocky Mountain: 79 recipients
- Northern Intermountain: 10 recipients
The Eastern Region, encompassing a vast and densely populated area with numerous ski resorts, leads significantly with 640 recipients. This substantial figure underscores the region’s long-standing tradition of snowsports participation and the robust membership base it maintains. Similarly, the Rocky Mountain Region, home to some of North America’s most iconic and largest resorts, shows a strong presence with 497 honorees, reflecting the enduring popularity and professional depth of snowsports in that area. The Central, Northwest, Western, and Intermountain regions also demonstrate significant contributions, each with over 190 recipients, indicating healthy and active instructor communities. While smaller in numbers, regions like Northern Rocky Mountain and Northern Intermountain represent vital hubs for snowsports in their respective locales, with their members contributing to a broad national impact despite potentially smaller regional populations or fewer resorts. This regional breakdown collectively illustrates the pervasive reach and dedicated membership that form the backbone of PSIA-AASI.
Leadership Milestones: Decades of Dedicated Service
A notable aspect of the 2026 recognitions is the celebration of milestone anniversaries by several prominent figures within PSIA-AASI, including four regional Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), a former national board chair, and a deputy director. Their combined years of service represent a wealth of institutional knowledge, leadership, and a testament to the career pathways available within the snowsports industry.
Herb Davis, Northern Rocky Mountain – 50 Years:
Celebrating an impressive five decades of membership, Herb Davis, CEO of the Northern Rocky Mountain Region, exemplifies unwavering dedication. While the specific details of his early career are extensive and varied, his 50-year tenure signifies a profound commitment to the evolution of snowsports instruction. Davis has undoubtedly witnessed, adapted to, and influenced significant changes in teaching methodologies, equipment advancements, and the overall professionalization of the industry since the mid-1970s. His half-century of service stands as a cornerstone of experience, providing invaluable guidance and stability to his region and the broader PSIA-AASI community. His journey likely began during a formative era for PSIA, pre-dating the merger with AASI, showcasing a career that has spanned multiple generations of instructors and numerous technological shifts in snowsports.
Ron Shepard, Central – 40 Years:
Ron Shepard, the Central Region’s chief executive officer since 2017, marks his 40th anniversary with PSIA-AASI. Shepard’s journey began humbly as a member of the courtesy patrol at Elk Mountain, Pennsylvania, before transitioning to an instructor role at Montage Mountain. He earned his foundational Alpine Level I certification at Tussey Mountain, a crucial first step in a career that would lead him to significant leadership. Reflecting on his four decades, Shepard expressed a sense of wonder and immense pride: "It’s surreal to wonder where the time went. I’m so proud of the industry leaders who were once candidates or trainees, and I’m so happy to have been part of their journey — and so grateful for those who influenced me."
Shepard’s career is rich with moments illustrating the profound impact instructors have on individuals. He vividly recalled a particularly validating lesson with a student named Susan, who suffered from "fear-induced paralysis" stemming from childhood trauma. Through Shepard’s patient and expert guidance, Susan not only overcame her fears but also developed an "incredible set of skills and style." This anecdote underscores the transformative power of snowsports instruction, extending beyond technical proficiency to fostering confidence, resilience, and personal growth – a testament to the enduring value Shepard places on the human element of teaching. His certifications (A3, TM3, CS2, FS2) reflect his broad expertise across multiple disciplines.
Kirsten Huotte, Northwest – 30 Years:
Kirsten Huotte, CEO of the Northwest Region, celebrates her 30th anniversary, tracing her career back to her roots as an instructor at 49° North Mountain Resort in Chewelah, Washington. Huotte earned her initial Snowboard Level I certification in the spring of 1996, at a time when snowboarding was still carving out its distinct identity within the snowsports world. Her experience highlights the evolving landscape of instruction and the importance of community support during periods of growth and integration.
"When I started, there were only a couple of us snowboarders and training was somewhat limited," Huotte recounted. "I had the opportunity to train with skiers and learned so much in translating concepts; through the process, I made lifelong friends and mentors who were a large part of my success." This period of cross-disciplinary learning not only broadened her own understanding but also fostered a spirit of camaraderie that transcended the traditional divides between skiing and snowboarding. Huotte’s career trajectory within the Northwest Region has been exemplary: she first served as education and program director, then executive director, before being appointed chief executive officer in 2018. Her journey illustrates how a passion for teaching can evolve into a significant leadership role. "I’m not sure I ever realized instructing could be a career," she admitted, humorously adding that it took 15 years for her mother to stop inquiring about when she would get a "real" job. This sentiment reflects a broader societal shift in recognizing snowsports instruction as a legitimate and fulfilling profession. Huotte’s certifications (S3, A2, CS2) further demonstrate her expertise. "Our community is what makes the profession what it is, and it has been quite the journey being part of it."
Kirstie Rosenfield, Intermountain – 10 Years:
Kirstie Rosenfield, CEO of the Intermountain Region, marks a decade of membership, a relatively rapid ascent to a leadership position that speaks volumes about her dedication and capability. Rosenfield began her snowsports journey at Park City Mountain Resort, earning her Alpine Level I certification at Deer Valley in 2016. Her entry into the profession was somewhat serendipitous; a friend persuaded her to try instructing while she was between jobs, leading her down an unexpected yet rewarding path.
"The association taught me to teach, inspired me to keep going, and opened the door to a second career," Rosenfield affirmed. Her background as a theater director, initially seemingly disparate from snowsports, provided her with transferable skills in event coordination and communication. She humorously recalled applying for an "event coordinator" role advertised in the Intermountain newsletter, initially unaware that "events" primarily referred to educational clinics. This quick learning curve and adaptability proved invaluable. Within six months of membership, she began working with the Intermountain board, taking on executive responsibilities that allowed the board to focus more on governance. Her "part-time in-between job" swiftly transformed into a full-fledged career, culminating in her appointment as executive director in 2018 and CEO last year. Rosenfield’s story is particularly inspiring as both of her children are also instructors at Utah’s Park City Mountain Resort, demonstrating a multi-generational passion for snowsports and the profession. "I love working and training with my fellow instructors, meeting our members on the snow, and growing the organization with the small and dedicated group of executives I’m part of," she stated. "This has been a decade of progress for PSIA-AASI, and I’m grateful to be a part of that." Her certifications (A2, H1, CS1) highlight her diverse skill set.
Additional Notable Anniversaries:
Beyond the regional CEOs, other influential figures are also celebrating significant milestones. Eric Sheckleton, a former PSIA-AASI board chair and the current president of Interski, marks 30 years of membership. His continued involvement at an international level with Interski, a global congress for ski and snowboard instruction, underscores the far-reaching influence of PSIA-AASI members. Similarly, Lynnea Anderson, deputy director of the Western Region, also celebrates 30 years, signifying her long-standing commitment to regional operations and member support. These individuals, through their leadership and sustained engagement, have played critical roles in shaping the strategic direction and operational excellence of PSIA-AASI at both national and international levels.
Broader Impact and Future Implications
The recognition of these 2,010 members, particularly those with decades of service, carries significant implications for the snowsports industry. Their longevity within PSIA-AASI is a powerful indicator of the professionalization and maturity of snowsports instruction. These experienced professionals serve as crucial repositories of institutional knowledge, passing down best practices, evolving methodologies, and safety protocols to newer generations of instructors. Their roles as mentors are invaluable, guiding aspiring professionals and ensuring a continuous pipeline of highly skilled and dedicated educators.
The stories shared by the celebrating CEOs illuminate the diverse pathways within snowsports instruction – from part-time passion to full-fledged career, from regional instructor to national and international leadership. This diversity demonstrates the robust career opportunities that PSIA-AASI fosters, offering paths for personal growth, professional development, and leadership within a supportive community. The organization’s ability to retain members for such extended periods speaks to its value proposition: providing ongoing education, certification, networking opportunities, and a sense of belonging that transcends individual resorts or regions.
Looking ahead, the commitment of these long-serving members ensures the stability and continued innovation of PSIA-AASI. Their collective experience provides a strong foundation upon which the organization can build for the future, adapting to new technologies, evolving snowsports trends, and changing demographics of participants. As the industry continues to innovate with new equipment and teaching techniques, the wisdom and adaptability of veterans like Herb Davis, Ron Shepard, Kirsten Huotte, and Kirstie Rosenfield will be instrumental in guiding the organization’s educational framework and strategic direction. Their dedication reinforces the idea that snowsports instruction is not merely a seasonal job but a lifelong calling, a profession that offers deep personal satisfaction and the opportunity to make a lasting positive impact on countless lives. The 2026 anniversary pins serve as a symbol of this rich legacy and a beacon for the future of snowsports education.